The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Sadly the predicted snow overnight turned out to be rain as it was milder than expected. This meant we were unable to open today and will not open until we get some fresh snowfall. An inspection of the fell yesterday showed a thin covering of snow over some icy patches and a few bare areas making it not suitable for skiing. F2 was rather more bare than F1.
There is no imminent snow forecast so I will update this email once the white stuff promises to return.
Happy New Year to everyone
Steve
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Monday, 27 December 2010
Possible skiing Tuesday 28th January
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Hope you all had a lovely christmas and didn't overindulge too much!
There is a possibility of skiing tomorrow but it depends on whether or not we get the predicted overnight snow. We have had 1 or 2 cm this morning but the webcam picture still doesnt look great. The answerphone (01388 527527) will be updated in the morning to say whether we are opening. It is likely that only F1 will be running if we do open as F2 has an electrical fault which we will endeavour to repair but cannot guarantee. If we do open we will also be open to day members tomorrow - please download the application form from the website and take it with you.
Steve
Hope you all had a lovely christmas and didn't overindulge too much!
There is a possibility of skiing tomorrow but it depends on whether or not we get the predicted overnight snow. We have had 1 or 2 cm this morning but the webcam picture still doesnt look great. The answerphone (01388 527527) will be updated in the morning to say whether we are opening. It is likely that only F1 will be running if we do open as F2 has an electrical fault which we will endeavour to repair but cannot guarantee. If we do open we will also be open to day members tomorrow - please download the application form from the website and take it with you.
Steve
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Skiing is on for Thursday 23rd December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Once again I spoke too soon, I should really learn my lesson! We have had several cms of fresh snow in Weardale today and it is still falling so we are planning to open up tomorrow (Thursday 23rd December). We have not had a fell inspection but hopefully the fresh snow will have covered over any bare patches and there was already a good solid base down. We are planning to open the runs from 10:30am and we will welcome day members. Please can day members download the "day membership form" from the website and bring it along with the day fee. Please hand this to a tow operator BEFORE skiing. I am not sure what the road will be like tomorrow but suggest chains for non 4WD cars will be necessary.
Apologies for sending this out so late but I have just returned from a day away and was not expecting this snow. Happy skiing.
Steve
Once again I spoke too soon, I should really learn my lesson! We have had several cms of fresh snow in Weardale today and it is still falling so we are planning to open up tomorrow (Thursday 23rd December). We have not had a fell inspection but hopefully the fresh snow will have covered over any bare patches and there was already a good solid base down. We are planning to open the runs from 10:30am and we will welcome day members. Please can day members download the "day membership form" from the website and bring it along with the day fee. Please hand this to a tow operator BEFORE skiing. I am not sure what the road will be like tomorrow but suggest chains for non 4WD cars will be necessary.
Apologies for sending this out so late but I have just returned from a day away and was not expecting this snow. Happy skiing.
Steve
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
snow update
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Sadly the snow keeps falling in all the wrong places. They have had it in Scotland, on the East Coast, in the Midlands, Ireland, Wales and for heavens sake even in London! Unfortunately the Pennines seems to have missed out. We still have snow on Swinhope but it is patchy with some ice and potentially dangerous skiing conditions so have been unable to open but we all have fiingers crossed for bit more fresh snow - it won't take a lot to make it skiable again. Still we have had the best skiing in the early season for many years. According to WSC life member John Stevenson it is the best snow we have had in November since 1964 which is the year they first skied at Swinhope and when the club was formed from its origins on Observatory Hill in Durham in 1957. Membership then was 30 shillings for an adult and 2 Guineas for a family and we had 45 members. We now have 780 members and I suspect the membership fee is now cheaper than in 1964 taking into account inflation.
Enough of the history. It doesnt look like we will be skiing before the 25th so I will take this opportunity on behalf of WSC to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. Lets hope for a prosperous and snowy New Year.
I hope many of you made use of the 20% discount weekends at Nevisport, Take a Hike and LD Mountain centre. I certainly did and saved myself a fortune (how many times have you men heard that excuse in the sales?). Don't forget that they all offer 10% discount all year round on production of that valuable WSC card.
Finally a brief mention of the other ski clubs in the North. In Teesdale we have Yad Moss and Harwood both of whom take day members when open. We have a reciprocal arrangement with Yad Moss whereby our members can ski there and their members can ski with us at a reduced rate on production of a valid card. Our weekend restrictions on not accepting day members does not affect this agreement and neither does Yad Moss's new day membership system affect WSC members wishing to ski there. Sadly neither of them at the moment have enough snow to ski on like us and neither does Allenheads Ski Club. Over in the Lake District there is a ski club on Raise which sometimes can hold the snow longer but currently is closed as well. LD Ski club does not accept day members but you can join on the slope once you have got your breath back from the long walk up! It is my ambition this season to ski all 5 of the "Northern Resorts" and I will report back on my success (or lack of) at the end of the season.
Steve
Sadly the snow keeps falling in all the wrong places. They have had it in Scotland, on the East Coast, in the Midlands, Ireland, Wales and for heavens sake even in London! Unfortunately the Pennines seems to have missed out. We still have snow on Swinhope but it is patchy with some ice and potentially dangerous skiing conditions so have been unable to open but we all have fiingers crossed for bit more fresh snow - it won't take a lot to make it skiable again. Still we have had the best skiing in the early season for many years. According to WSC life member John Stevenson it is the best snow we have had in November since 1964 which is the year they first skied at Swinhope and when the club was formed from its origins on Observatory Hill in Durham in 1957. Membership then was 30 shillings for an adult and 2 Guineas for a family and we had 45 members. We now have 780 members and I suspect the membership fee is now cheaper than in 1964 taking into account inflation.
Enough of the history. It doesnt look like we will be skiing before the 25th so I will take this opportunity on behalf of WSC to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. Lets hope for a prosperous and snowy New Year.
I hope many of you made use of the 20% discount weekends at Nevisport, Take a Hike and LD Mountain centre. I certainly did and saved myself a fortune (how many times have you men heard that excuse in the sales?). Don't forget that they all offer 10% discount all year round on production of that valuable WSC card.
Finally a brief mention of the other ski clubs in the North. In Teesdale we have Yad Moss and Harwood both of whom take day members when open. We have a reciprocal arrangement with Yad Moss whereby our members can ski there and their members can ski with us at a reduced rate on production of a valid card. Our weekend restrictions on not accepting day members does not affect this agreement and neither does Yad Moss's new day membership system affect WSC members wishing to ski there. Sadly neither of them at the moment have enough snow to ski on like us and neither does Allenheads Ski Club. Over in the Lake District there is a ski club on Raise which sometimes can hold the snow longer but currently is closed as well. LD Ski club does not accept day members but you can join on the slope once you have got your breath back from the long walk up! It is my ambition this season to ski all 5 of the "Northern Resorts" and I will report back on my success (or lack of) at the end of the season.
Steve
Friday, 10 December 2010
LD Mountain centre discount weekend (11th + 12th December)
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
As you won't be skiing this weekend why not call in at LD Mountain centre in Newcastle who are offering WSC members 20% discount all weekend upon production of a valid WSC membership card. You can pretend you are accompanying your wife/husband doing the christmas shopping and spend it all on ski equipment + clothing thereby getting brownie points and some discounted kit!!
Steve
As you won't be skiing this weekend why not call in at LD Mountain centre in Newcastle who are offering WSC members 20% discount all weekend upon production of a valid WSC membership card. You can pretend you are accompanying your wife/husband doing the christmas shopping and spend it all on ski equipment + clothing thereby getting brownie points and some discounted kit!!
Steve
snow go
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Spoke too soon didn't I? The strong winds, warmer weather and rain has dealt a blow to any hopes of skiing tomorrow. An inspection of the slopes today showed slush and bare patches which unfortunately means that skiing is off for Saturday. It is forecast to get colder on Saturday night and if it freezes then skiing may be possible on Sunday but there will not be full cover. The long range forecast is for it to get much colder next week with snow showers starting midweek.
Yad Moss is also closed this weekend.
Steve
Spoke too soon didn't I? The strong winds, warmer weather and rain has dealt a blow to any hopes of skiing tomorrow. An inspection of the slopes today showed slush and bare patches which unfortunately means that skiing is off for Saturday. It is forecast to get colder on Saturday night and if it freezes then skiing may be possible on Sunday but there will not be full cover. The long range forecast is for it to get much colder next week with snow showers starting midweek.
Yad Moss is also closed this weekend.
Steve
Thursday, 9 December 2010
snow report Thursday 9th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
There was no skiing today and we are not planning to open on Friday due to essential maintenance and also restocking fuel etc in anticipation of the weekend. The forecast is for it to get milder tomorrow and Saturday but then on Sunday the temperatures are set to fall again and perhaps a hint of more snow next week. At this stage we are planning to open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am both days but please check the answerphone before travelling. I will update this email message on Saturday evening.
Only one car in the ditch yesterday so you are getting better!!!
Steve
There was no skiing today and we are not planning to open on Friday due to essential maintenance and also restocking fuel etc in anticipation of the weekend. The forecast is for it to get milder tomorrow and Saturday but then on Sunday the temperatures are set to fall again and perhaps a hint of more snow next week. At this stage we are planning to open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am both days but please check the answerphone before travelling. I will update this email message on Saturday evening.
Only one car in the ditch yesterday so you are getting better!!!
Steve
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
snow report Wednesday 8th Dec
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Another glorious day in the Weardale Alps today with great snow and wall to wall sunshine (at least thats what it looked like to me doing Christmas shopping in the Metro Centre - can't win them all!).
At the moment it looks like we are not opening tomorrow but if things change we will update the answerphone in the morning (01388 527527). We may open on Friday - again check the answerphone before making any plans. The forecast for the weekend does look good for both days so fingers crossed it doesnt change.
Steve
Another glorious day in the Weardale Alps today with great snow and wall to wall sunshine (at least thats what it looked like to me doing Christmas shopping in the Metro Centre - can't win them all!).
At the moment it looks like we are not opening tomorrow but if things change we will update the answerphone in the morning (01388 527527). We may open on Friday - again check the answerphone before making any plans. The forecast for the weekend does look good for both days so fingers crossed it doesnt change.
Steve
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Snow Report Tuesday 7th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
For once it is all positives to write about. We had great snow today with 2 inches of fresh powder topping up the already firm base and the whole area is open. We had about 90 people today who enjoyed some glorious weather. Both lifts ran without a single interuption until Ian Mac commented that they hadn't stopped all day, so promptly both lifts tripped! The reason for tripping is when people let go of the buttons too late and there is not enough time for it to recoil and it trips the hill circuit. Please do not overrun the mounds of snow which mark the top of the lifts.
The road is still white with a few rutted areas but can be negotiated with 4WD or 2WD with chains. Do not attempt with 2WD and no chains as you are likely to get stuck. However it is nice to report no incidents on the road today. The parking was good, the ditches didn't see any cars close up and the farmer got on with his farming!
We are planning to open tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10am. Day members should download the application form from the website and present it with the day fee before skiing. Members should display their membership cards please to make life easier for the tow operators.
The lost house keys have also been re-united with their owner.
Steve
For once it is all positives to write about. We had great snow today with 2 inches of fresh powder topping up the already firm base and the whole area is open. We had about 90 people today who enjoyed some glorious weather. Both lifts ran without a single interuption until Ian Mac commented that they hadn't stopped all day, so promptly both lifts tripped! The reason for tripping is when people let go of the buttons too late and there is not enough time for it to recoil and it trips the hill circuit. Please do not overrun the mounds of snow which mark the top of the lifts.
The road is still white with a few rutted areas but can be negotiated with 4WD or 2WD with chains. Do not attempt with 2WD and no chains as you are likely to get stuck. However it is nice to report no incidents on the road today. The parking was good, the ditches didn't see any cars close up and the farmer got on with his farming!
We are planning to open tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10am. Day members should download the application form from the website and present it with the day fee before skiing. Members should display their membership cards please to make life easier for the tow operators.
The lost house keys have also been re-united with their owner.
Steve
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Snow report from Sunday 5th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
A superb day was appreciated by about 120 people today. Sun greeted us in the morning and the snow was crisp and nicely groomed. As far as I am aware there were no major incidents on the road, the parking was pretty good apart from one car that got "ditched" at the very top and was left blocking the road - not sure what happened about that but it looks like he(or she) drove a little bit too close to the side and the front wheel dropped into the shallow ditch which is very easily done. The car was a red Fiat, X445BBR - please let me know what happened as it was completely obstructing the road. Please take extreme care when pulling over to one side, even if it means stopping your car, getting out and physically checking what the ground is like. There was one white van registration W942PHY which was partially blocking the emergency gate at the top of the car park - please try and leave this area accessible to all vehicles as the farmer, mountain rescue or 4WD ambulance may need to use it.
This week we are hoping to open on Tuesday and Wednesday (weather permitting) and plan to open at 10am both days. Please check the answerphone (01388 527527) before travelling to check we are open and for details of road conditions. Road conditions have improved but more snow is forecast tonight and it is also freezing so 4WD or Chains are likely to be necessary this week still.
I have a set of house keys that were found in the layby at the bottom of the road. If anyone has lost theirs then please let me know. A member has also lost a white (of all colours to lose in snow) mobile phone - if found please let me know again.
Steve
A superb day was appreciated by about 120 people today. Sun greeted us in the morning and the snow was crisp and nicely groomed. As far as I am aware there were no major incidents on the road, the parking was pretty good apart from one car that got "ditched" at the very top and was left blocking the road - not sure what happened about that but it looks like he(or she) drove a little bit too close to the side and the front wheel dropped into the shallow ditch which is very easily done. The car was a red Fiat, X445BBR - please let me know what happened as it was completely obstructing the road. Please take extreme care when pulling over to one side, even if it means stopping your car, getting out and physically checking what the ground is like. There was one white van registration W942PHY which was partially blocking the emergency gate at the top of the car park - please try and leave this area accessible to all vehicles as the farmer, mountain rescue or 4WD ambulance may need to use it.
This week we are hoping to open on Tuesday and Wednesday (weather permitting) and plan to open at 10am both days. Please check the answerphone (01388 527527) before travelling to check we are open and for details of road conditions. Road conditions have improved but more snow is forecast tonight and it is also freezing so 4WD or Chains are likely to be necessary this week still.
I have a set of house keys that were found in the layby at the bottom of the road. If anyone has lost theirs then please let me know. A member has also lost a white (of all colours to lose in snow) mobile phone - if found please let me know again.
Steve
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Snow Report Saturday 4th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Oh dear it seems that not much christmas shopping is getting done this year and if the snow continues like it is then there may be a few disappointed faces on the 25th December. About 100 or so members shunned the crowds at the Metro Centre and enjoyed an excellent days skiing today. The weather was good and the snow excellent and the tows ran with only occasional interuptions. We are planning to open again tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am - again it will be members only and non members will be turned away.
Please note that we tend to close the lifts soon after 3pm as the light goes pretty quickly after that. The road is still tricky with yet more 4X4 vehicles in ditches today and is likely to be the same tomorrow. 4WD cars if fitted with decent tyres or chains should be ok and 2WD with chains may be ok with care. James has sent a photo of the road (http://tinyurl.com/33rs3c7) for you to see for yourselves what the road is like. Please can I reiterate that if you do use chains these should be put on in the layby at the bottom before turning up the road to the slopes. Most chains need to be retensioned after a few hundred yards. If you are new to chains can I suggest trying them out at home rather than trying them on the road up to the slopes for the first time as seemed to happen today! Please also watch out for the ditches at the roadside. The road is very narrow and most ditch incidents tend to occur when a (usually) 4WD car pulls over to let someone coming the other way past. When in a ditch 4WD is not much help and they are not always easy to see! There are a few passing places and generally speaking the car coming dowhill should give way to the upcoming car.
On a happy note the car parking appeared good today, the queues ran smoothly and the skiing was great. The new route (M1) was a lot better today but there are still a few stones exposed at the bottom so be careful especially if you have decent skis/boards. The new route to the west has been pisted (bottom half only) and is a great new addition to our other routes.
I have a set of house keys that were found in the layby at the bottom of the the road today. If anyone has lost some please contact me.
Steve
Oh dear it seems that not much christmas shopping is getting done this year and if the snow continues like it is then there may be a few disappointed faces on the 25th December. About 100 or so members shunned the crowds at the Metro Centre and enjoyed an excellent days skiing today. The weather was good and the snow excellent and the tows ran with only occasional interuptions. We are planning to open again tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am - again it will be members only and non members will be turned away.
Please note that we tend to close the lifts soon after 3pm as the light goes pretty quickly after that. The road is still tricky with yet more 4X4 vehicles in ditches today and is likely to be the same tomorrow. 4WD cars if fitted with decent tyres or chains should be ok and 2WD with chains may be ok with care. James has sent a photo of the road (http://tinyurl.com/33rs3c7) for you to see for yourselves what the road is like. Please can I reiterate that if you do use chains these should be put on in the layby at the bottom before turning up the road to the slopes. Most chains need to be retensioned after a few hundred yards. If you are new to chains can I suggest trying them out at home rather than trying them on the road up to the slopes for the first time as seemed to happen today! Please also watch out for the ditches at the roadside. The road is very narrow and most ditch incidents tend to occur when a (usually) 4WD car pulls over to let someone coming the other way past. When in a ditch 4WD is not much help and they are not always easy to see! There are a few passing places and generally speaking the car coming dowhill should give way to the upcoming car.
On a happy note the car parking appeared good today, the queues ran smoothly and the skiing was great. The new route (M1) was a lot better today but there are still a few stones exposed at the bottom so be careful especially if you have decent skis/boards. The new route to the west has been pisted (bottom half only) and is a great new addition to our other routes.
I have a set of house keys that were found in the layby at the bottom of the the road today. If anyone has lost some please contact me.
Steve
Friday, 3 December 2010
Skiing report for the weekend 4/5th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
More good news and a little bad news to report again - the story of my life!
The good news is that the road was opened up today and allowed about 60 people to enjoy some excellent snow. The main runs have been pisted and all is looking good. We are planning to open tomorrow and Sunday from 10am. We will only be allowing members this weekend - non members will be turned away. Please display your membership card as we will be running several checks throughout the day
The bad news is that the road is still treacherous with several cars, including 4X4s in ditches today. The road is very narrow and there are few passing places and in many places there is an accompanying ditch (which I found out to my cost on Wednesday). Please take care when driving and be extremely careful if pulling to one side to pass. Tomorrow I would suggest 4WD is preferable and even then with care. Only attempt in a 2WD with chains if you are a competent driver in snow. Most importantly put your chains on before turning up the hill. There is a layby a few hundred meters before the turn and this must be used to put chains on. Today people were obstructing the road to put chains on much to the annoyance of local traffic and others were reversing down the steep hill causing bedlam. Please be considerate to other skiers and local inhabitants.
Another worry today was a snowboarder who was pulling way out to the side of the towline despite being warned not to. This is potentially very dangerous as there is a risk of pulling the rope off the pulleys. As a boarder myself I know the tows can be difficult at times but try your hardest to stay in line. Persistent offenders unfortunately will be banned as we cannot take any risks.
Sorry to end on a negative note but a small number of people can ruin a day for everyone else so please think of others. Remember we are a small club run by a very small number of volunteers who put in 100's of hours to try and keep the place open. Don't make life any harder for us please.
Happy skiing
Steve
More good news and a little bad news to report again - the story of my life!
The good news is that the road was opened up today and allowed about 60 people to enjoy some excellent snow. The main runs have been pisted and all is looking good. We are planning to open tomorrow and Sunday from 10am. We will only be allowing members this weekend - non members will be turned away. Please display your membership card as we will be running several checks throughout the day
The bad news is that the road is still treacherous with several cars, including 4X4s in ditches today. The road is very narrow and there are few passing places and in many places there is an accompanying ditch (which I found out to my cost on Wednesday). Please take care when driving and be extremely careful if pulling to one side to pass. Tomorrow I would suggest 4WD is preferable and even then with care. Only attempt in a 2WD with chains if you are a competent driver in snow. Most importantly put your chains on before turning up the hill. There is a layby a few hundred meters before the turn and this must be used to put chains on. Today people were obstructing the road to put chains on much to the annoyance of local traffic and others were reversing down the steep hill causing bedlam. Please be considerate to other skiers and local inhabitants.
Another worry today was a snowboarder who was pulling way out to the side of the towline despite being warned not to. This is potentially very dangerous as there is a risk of pulling the rope off the pulleys. As a boarder myself I know the tows can be difficult at times but try your hardest to stay in line. Persistent offenders unfortunately will be banned as we cannot take any risks.
Sorry to end on a negative note but a small number of people can ruin a day for everyone else so please think of others. Remember we are a small club run by a very small number of volunteers who put in 100's of hours to try and keep the place open. Don't make life any harder for us please.
Happy skiing
Steve
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Skiing Friday 3rd December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Further heavy snowfall and drifts meant that nobody could get up to the slopes today as the road was completely blocked. Hopefully tomorrow will be more successfull. We are planning to open up at about 10am tomorrow but there may well be delays. Even if the road is ploughed it will be difficult and 4WD will be necessary or chains with a 2WD (if there is enough ground clearance). Please do not turn up too early as we will have to clear the parking, piste the route across which is covered in deep snow and various other jobs.
We are accepting day members tomorrow (Friday 3rd) and it would be very helpful if you would download and print off a day membership form from the website (www.skiweardale.com) and bring it along already completed with the correct day fee. We will be opening also on Saturday and Sunday from 10am (will update the answerphone if anything changes) but this will be for members only. Non members will sadly be turned away at the weekend.
We will be running regular checks on membership so it would be helpful if you can display membership cards visibly.
Please drive carefully and respect the local population and do not block the fell gate in the carpark - anyone doing so will be towed away - you have been warned!
Steve
Further heavy snowfall and drifts meant that nobody could get up to the slopes today as the road was completely blocked. Hopefully tomorrow will be more successfull. We are planning to open up at about 10am tomorrow but there may well be delays. Even if the road is ploughed it will be difficult and 4WD will be necessary or chains with a 2WD (if there is enough ground clearance). Please do not turn up too early as we will have to clear the parking, piste the route across which is covered in deep snow and various other jobs.
We are accepting day members tomorrow (Friday 3rd) and it would be very helpful if you would download and print off a day membership form from the website (www.skiweardale.com) and bring it along already completed with the correct day fee. We will be opening also on Saturday and Sunday from 10am (will update the answerphone if anything changes) but this will be for members only. Non members will sadly be turned away at the weekend.
We will be running regular checks on membership so it would be helpful if you can display membership cards visibly.
Please drive carefully and respect the local population and do not block the fell gate in the carpark - anyone doing so will be towed away - you have been warned!
Steve
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